Bauer MZ vs Ross Big Game

[Rusty Loop]

I'm new to saltwater fishing and am puting together my first set of gear. I have an old rod that was gifted to me and I need to get a new reel. I'm willing to pay for a higher-end model assuming that if I take care of it, it will last me a long time. I have narrowed it down between these two reels and wanted to see if anyone had any opinions or new any reason why I might choose one of these reels over the other. As far as I can tell, their prices are almost the same and their technical specifications are very similar. If you think there is another reel besides these two in this price range that I should also be considering, then I would be interested in knowing that as well. Thanks!

[zimmjas]

I bought an MZ5 eariler this year. Handles bass and blues well enough. Haven't had an albie or bone on it yet, but so far I'm satisfied.

[Squidly]

I have 2 ross reels, big game 4 and 6. I have found them to be great. They are very simple to use. Drag is a big easy to handle while fighting a fish knob right on the side. You can pop a spool off in seconds with the trun of a knob. I have caught albies, bones, bass, cuda, with no problems. The one issue I did have was my big gmae 4 drag seized up over the winter. I sent it back and Ross fixed the problem very quickly at no charge. The verdict was the reel was not cleaned properly. I always wash my reels so I was suprised to hear this. Now I actually soak my reels intead of rinse and I store them with the drag set to the least setting possible. All in all a fine product. Good luck with your choice.

[ruge13]

I have 2 ross reels, big game 4 and 6. I have found them to be great. They are very simple to use. Drag is a big easy to handle while fighting a fish knob right on the side. You can pop a spool off in seconds with the trun of a knob. I have caught albies, bones, bass, cuda, with no problems. The one issue I did have was my big gmae 4 drag seized up over the winter. I sent it back and Ross fixed the problem very quickly at no charge. The verdict was the reel was not cleaned properly. I always wash my reels so I was suprised to hear this. Now I actually soak my reels intead of rinse and I store them with the drag set to the least setting possible. All in all a fine product. Good luck with your choice.I have a BG5, love it!! Best reel I have had. Anyway, I send it back ever year to be cleaned officially by them (even though I do a better job) just to keep a maintenance records for warrenty reasons.
So the first year I had it I didn;t do much too it. By the end of the year the drag was tight, but relatively smooth. I used it 4 or 5 times a week all season and rinsed every time. Sent it back to them over the winter so they could oficailly clean it and got a nice letter stating I need to take better care of my reels, need to do this and that and how horrible of an owner I am. Funny, since I am anal with reels and am religious about cleaning. Espeially one that retails over $400. Also funny cause the warrenty clearly states do not clean, do not open the drag, do not oil or void.

So now, I do it myself regardless. Rinsing this reel doesn't cut it. I rinse and soak too, after every glimpse of the salt, but I need to break the drag down and clean off the disks and internal metal at least once a month to keep it in "new reel" condition smooth. Start to finish it take sme about 20 minutes to clean every screw. Typical of any reel if you use them a few times a week. So after a season of DIY cleaning I sent it back. No voided warrenty, they cleaned it again. And again, got a nice little letter about the condition of the reel. BS cause on the inside, that puppy was sparkling despite a few battle scars on the housing but that is to be expected. I guess they expect you to keep it in a silver brief case in padded foam handcuffed to your wrist and only use it once a year for 8 hours on your Permit trip to Belize, send it back for cleaning for the year, until next year's Bonefish lodge in Andros.

Had it for 2 and 3/4 seasons now, abused it, and am very happy with it. Put tons of fish though it and never had even a hint of drag issue at any pressure.

Having said that, I have no experience with the Bauer, but would get another Ross if I was in the market and had the money to spend.

[Rusty Loop]

Sounds like they are both good reels. The fly shop accross the street from my office only sells the Bauer. Maybe I'll just go for that one.